Nature Center

Balsam Mountain's philosophy has always been to exist as a community within a park. The Nature Center puts that philosophy on display and offers a host of ways to incorporate it into daily living.

The exhibit cases at the Nature Center, for example, present a detailed and comprehensive look at some of our neighbors, such as reptiles and birds of prey. From owls to snakes, the exhibits provide an up-close look at these species, as well as informative commentary on their habits and history.

The Nature Center is one aspect of the work of the Balsam Mountain Trust, a nonprofit organization charged with documenting and preserving the natural and cultural history of Balsam Mountain. Director Michael Skinner and naturalist Blair Ogburn bring extensive knowledge to this task, which contributes not only to the high-quality exhibits at the Nature Center, but also to the many programs that help residents explore the area around us. They maintain a busy schedule of programs from guided hikes and mountain bike rides to activities such as a search for nesting yellow-billed sapsuckers or any of their other woodpecker cousins.

It's easy to see that there's never a shortage of activities at the Nature Center, and there's always a new and exciting way for residents to connect with the spectacular and complex ecosystem that is so integral to the Balsam Mountain Preserve way of life.

Click here to site map.

A Chaffin / Light Community
Balsam Mountain Preserve
81 Preserve Rd
Sylva, NC 28779
866-452-3456